Macko, R. R., Ivey, F. M., Forrester, L. W., Hanley, D., Sorkin, J. D., Katzel, L. I., et al. (2005). Treadmill exercise rehabilitation improves ambulatory function and cardiovascular fitness in patients with chronic stroke: A randomized, controlled trial. Stroke, 36(10), 2206-11.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether treadmill aerobic training (T-AEX) is more efficient than conventional rehabilitation in improving ambulatory function and cardiovascular fitness in patients with chronic stroke. A total of 61 participants were randomly divided into two groups: a treadmill aerobic training group (T-AEX) and an R-CONTROL group, which received conventional therapy consisting of stretching and low-intensity treadmill training. Both groups were scheduled for 72 training sessions across 6 months. Although the T-AEX participants demonstrated greater improvements in cardiovascular fitness and in the functional mobility measurements, certain specific features of the exercise prescription unique to each participant's abilities may determine the nature of adaptations in motor function versus cardiovascular fitness. In general, further research is needed to determine whether task-oriented exercise can improve long-term functional independence and cardiovascular health in chronic stroke patients.

For the full abstract, go to http://www.ncpad.org/749/3985/Treadmill~Exercise~in~Patients~with~Chronic~Stroke